2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 444 |
| 2003 | 204 |
| 2004 | 165 |
| 2005 | 71 |
| 2006 | 11 |
| 2007 | 377 |
| 2008 | 258 |
| 2009 | 76 |
| 2010 | 111 |
| 2011 | 127 |
| 2012 | 36 |
| 2013 | 82 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
19% of complaints: electrical system — 31 distinct reports on file.
18% of complaints: electrical system — 29 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HOT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120607
WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE HESITATED INTERMITTENTLY. *AK THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ALTERNATOR, RADIO SYSTEM (CD WOULD OVER HEAT). *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20040413
15% of complaints: service brakes — 25 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON I 95 SOUTH ON THE WAY TO VACATION, BRAKES FAILED WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN. I REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. HAD TRUCK IN SHOP FOR WEEK AND FOUND SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH LINES AND 2 LEAKS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140826
6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 10 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear brakes needed to be replaced.
NHTSA ODI report, 20211123
4% of complaints: air bags — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, AN ELK JUMPED IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO AVOID A CRASH. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A DIRT MOUNTAIN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141113
SAFETY TIMELINE
HYDRAULIC PUMP FAILRES
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE V
Remedy: DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUM
Campaign 04V045000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE GALVANIZED STEEL TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES THAT RETAIN THE TAILGATE IN THE FULL OPEN (HORIZONTAL) POSITION MAY CORRODE, WEAKEN, AND EVENTUALLY FR
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CABLES. INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 7, 20004. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2004, WHEN REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE AVAILABLE, AND WILL CONTINUE THROUGH OCTOBER
Campaign 04V129000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE ASSEMBLIES, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR MAY CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FOR FUNCTIONAL OPERATION OF THE TWO-FUNCTION VALVE. IF THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FAILS THE TEST, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL
Campaign 05V043000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CUT OPEN THE GUIDE LOOP, REMOVE A PORTION OF THE LOOP, AND THEN THE REMAINING TWO SIDES SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND SECURED WITH A RETAINER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 200
Campaign 05V163000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN 8.1L V8 (RPO L8-VIN G) ENGINE HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP MAY FRACTURE RESULTING IN INADEQUATE RETENTION OF THE DAMPER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9
Campaign 06V289000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURE
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Chevrolet Avalanche — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V045000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V129000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V043000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V163000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V289000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche?
The most-reported component is electrical system: instrument cluster/panel, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.